26 central projects in NE identified as slow by DONER

NEW DELHI, May 16 ? Contrary to general perception that it is always the State which fails to deliver on time, it now appears that Central Government projects also suffer from time overruns, for progress of as many as 26 centrally funded road and bridge projects in the North Eastern Region (NER) have been identified as slow. The Department for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) having identified the projects, has started reviewing the progress of the work, a few of which have been categorised at critical, for expeditious implementation. The Minister in-charge for DONER, Arun Shourie, has in reply to a question tabled by Santosh Mohan Dev said that project-wise funding has been initiated by the North Eastern Council (NEC) which has also been asked to increase the allocation of funds for the 26 delayed projects. The system of monitoring, sanctioning, release of funds and implementation has been tightened, the Minister disclosed. Field inspections of the work have been intensified, and DONER has also commenced monitoring progress of the projects physically on the ground, he further added. The State Government too have been advised to ensure that the projects under specific funds are released on time and regular monitoring of projects under implementation is undertaken, the Minister said, disclosing that one road project has been identified for the Comptroller and Accountant General to commence concurrent audit during its execution itself. The projects which have suffered delay included Sharkhan-Bhagabazar, Laisong-Rajabazar, Jatinga-Udarband, Pasayh-Garanpani Haflong-Jatinga-Udarband, Dhodar Ali, Dkhiah-Mousei Haflong, Hailakandi-Gharmura, road projects in Assam. Out of these Dhodar Ali Road project has suffered a time overrun of 13 years.